The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1887-12-14
"A Substitute Wanted.

time to devote to that very useful purpose,
and remark which l happened to over
hear few days since, has caused me to
wonder whether the man who gave utter
ance to it had taken time for reflection be-
fore he spoke. 1t was during the course of
conversation between two citizen EN-
ployes, that the remark to which allude was
made, and as near as can remember these
were the words used by one of them, viz:
why. cOnv;cts here are better off than we
are" His companion seemed to be of the
same opinion. and so it was unanimously
agreed to-. Now, let us see what are the
facts of the case. Are we occupying bed
OF roses" minus the thorns. and is there
not two sides to the picture, to one of
Which our two friends don't appear to have
access? They see us at our best when pur-
suing our daily avocations. Could they
put themselves in our place. during the
remaining sixteen hours OF one of the days
OF Our weary pilgrimage. they would prob
ably arrive at different conclusion.
1t cannot be denied that we are far more
comfortably situated than are great many
.,
and that this one is model of it's kind
The discipline, while strict. is not harsh,
and it needs only good behavior TO insure
good treatment There are other advan-
tages which might enumerate, such as a
good library containing the choicest works
OF eminent authors, with which me may
either "kill' OF improve some of our spare
time. We are allowed newspapers so that
we are advised OF current events trans
piring in the outside world. THE MIRROR
reflects its benignant rays upon our dreary
pathway weekly. and it is our earnest
hope that it may long continue to illumine
our monotOnOus existence. Occasionally
some Good Samaritans'' kindly cater to
our amusement and entertainment. for
which we are truly grateful, but still we are
not ''happy."
l have thus given haSty and and rather
imperfect glance at the bright side of the
picture. Now, let us look at the reverse.
In the first place we are deprived of our
liberty, we Will admit by due process of
law. and as a result of our misdeeds.
Never did more sublime words emanate
from the lips of mc:tal man than those in
which Patrick Henry concluded his famous
speech on the eve OF the American revOlu-
ton. viz: Give me liberty. or give me
DEATH We all indOrSe p. II. SO far as
the liberty part is concerned: as for the
other portion we wOnld rather be excused,
for While there is life there is hope
And while the lamp holds out to burn
The vlest sinner may return
Does our friend who made the remark
which suggested this article, know what it
is to have every movement controlled. to be
constantly under the surveillance of vigil
liant officers. to be i'll constant dread of
doing something which will subject him to
punishment: Does he know anything of
the tireSOme mOnOtOny of prison life the
same old routine day after day? Does he
know anything of the long and oftimes
sleepesS nights. when in spite of himself
the deeds of a mans life, good and bad.
will pass in review before him? Does he
know what it is to be separated FROM those
most near and dear to him and allowed to
communicate with them only at stated in
tervals? Does he know anything of the
feelings of those who, having spent the
best years Of their life here. and who, by
their good conduct. and strict attention to
duties assigned them. have just and rea-
sonable grounds for hoping the executive
cemency should be exercised in their be-
half, who are daily expecting such and are
as often doomed to disappointment, until
''hope deferred maketh the heart sick?"
There are host of other "trifles'' to which
might call the attention of our friend but
l think l have shown sufficient to convince
him that we are not fit subjects for envy.
If. however, he still adheres to the opinion
which he so glibly expressed, and there is
no objection on the part of 1.-The powers
that be" l am perfectly willing to accept
him as substitute. and will cheerfully va
cate the ''wigwam." and allow him to con-
vince himself by saving the remainder of
the time allotted to TAMMANY.
1876 Boulevard ID.
Dec. 9, 1887.
Two young ladies ~ wer, walking
down State street, the other day, when